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BRITISH CLUBS AWARDED SWIM 21 STATUS

The number of clubs now accredited under the Amateur Swimming Association's (ASA) Swim21 scheme has risen to 334.

The national governing body for swimming is well on its way to achieving its target of accrediting 800 clubs to its Swim 21 scheme by 2009 after fourteen more clubs made the grade at the May panel meeting.

Swim 21 is the ASA's club development model and has been in operation since 2002. Reviewed and amended at the beginning of 2006, the application process is now more straightforward and the scheme has opened up to all disciplines.

Based on the principles of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD), Swim 21 encourages clubs to specialise in one of four areas; Teaching, Skill Development, Competitive Development and Performance. It recognises nationally and regionally the clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their members.

Swim 21 National Chair Dave Flack is encouraged by the number of clubs applying for Swim 21 accreditation.

"Swim 21 is important for clubs," he said. "It provides a springboard to launch your club to higher goals and even greater achievements at all levels."

"It has now been running for four years and the number of clubs receiving accreditation is promising, we are on our way to achieving 800 clubs accredited by 2009 and this figure is achievable. Since amending the scheme in 2006 we have seen an increase in the number of clubs working towards accreditation."

Flack sees Swim 21 as a way for clubs to develop the service that they provide and the skills of everyone working at the club.

"There are many benefits of being accredited through the Swim 21 scheme but the main one is it gives clubs a clear focus on how to move forward and help develop their athlete's skills further. Also the whole process holistically develops the whole club including volunteers and chairman. It is the ASA club development model and so gives everyone at the club the chance to progress."

Clubs interested in working towards the Swim 21 accreditation should contact their Regional Development Officer.

The next panel meeting will be held on 15th August, and submissions should be made by 1st August.